Fashion’s most groundbreaking catwalk moments

The shows that changed the catwalk forever

As Karl Lagerfeld casts heavily pregnant model Ashleigh Good as his autumn/winter 2014 Chanel Haute Couture bride, we look back at the models, collections and theatrics that lit up the runway forever.

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Versace autumn/winter 1991 When Gianni Versace sent Cindy Crawford, Carla Bruni, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Helena Christensen and Linda Evangelista down the runway in tiny black mini-dresses and thigh-high boots, he effectively put the ‘super’ in supermodel. Although the face of fashion has changed somewhat since then, they were the first to spark a demand for models with personality and spirit, not just a pretty face.

Perry Ellis spring/summer 1993 If the Perry Ellis spring/summer 1993 show doesn’t immediately ring any bells, that’s probably because it’s more often referred to as ‘Marc Jacobs’ grunge moment’. This daring collection catapulted the as-yet-unknown designer to stardom while simultaneously prompting his dismissal from Perry Ellis. As a result, Jacobs founded his own label and quickly became one of fashion’s most influential figures – now that’s what you call a comeback.

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Alexander McQueen spring/summer 1999 From wind tunnels and rain to those controversial Armadillo shoes, Alexander McQueen has never been one to shy away from catwalk theatrics. However, it was the brand’s spring/summer 1999 show, in which robots spray-painted graffiti on to pure white ballgowns, that really pushed the boundaries of what fashion – and a fashion show – could be.

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Fendi at the Great Wall of China, 2008 Never one to settle for anything less than incredible, Karl Lagerfeld flew 500 celebrities, press and buyers across the world in 2008 to attend a Fendi catwalk on the Great Wall of China. The first show of its kind, the collection included an entire mini range created specially for the event, which reportedly cost £10 million to produce. Kate Bosworth said at the time there would be nothing so magical or of such magnitude ever again.

Phillip Treacy spring/summer 2013 Philip Treacy’s return to London Fashion Week in 2013 may have featured clothes inspired by Michael Jackson and a soundtrack performed by Lady Gaga, but it was notable for a far more important reason – every single model in the show was black. Nearly 65 years after Dorothea Towles Church first modelled for Christian Dior, the debate over the comparative lack of black and Asian models still rages and, while Treacy refused to comment on his casting decision, it’s clear to see which side he is on.